Colors Not To Wear To A Vietnamese Wedding There's no denying that color plays a major role in your style. Today, o dis are worn mostly by women and are worn for high school, traditional festivals, and (you guessed it!) As for the traditional conical hats (sometimes called rice hats, rice farmer hats, or rice paddy hats, but in Vietnamese called nn l), they may be a stereotype of Vietnam, but many locals really do wear them, especially in the countryside. Will the locals be angry if you do that, or will you be accused of cultural appropriation? This is in irreplaceable mandatory attire. For guests attending Vietnamese weddings or for couples looking to honor their heritage by hosting traditional nuptials, there are some customs and practices generally seen within Vietnamese celebrations to be aware of. The baju kurung is typical everyday wear as well. Additionally, you should do your best to familiarize yourself with the different customs and rituals you will see. Great diligence seemed to be spent on the distribution of the guests over the many big tables in the hall. It is best to avoid flamboyant or brought colors typical, darker, or neutral colors are best. The members of the groom's family typically carry gifts. In the past, black and white were two colors that you could not wear to a wedding. Traditional Vietnamese dressesfor women are calledAo Dai (o di), which is a long (floor-length) dress with a tiny turtleneck and long sleeves. Was Galileo expecting to see so many stars? Crossing the Cambodia/Vietnam border and single/multi entry visas, Can I have just a wedding ceremony in UK on a visitor visa and then get register married back home. "Prior to the m Hi is the Dm Ng (also known as the m Ni), during which the parents of the bride and groom come together to first discuss a pending engagement for the couple after the couple has expressed their intent for marriage. I got the explanation for that: assuming any wedding in a big town has 200 to 1,000 guests, it is rather clear that you are likely to be invited to a wedding every two weeks if you have some relatives and friends. This breakdown of the 5 essential elements of a wedding o di will hopefully help you navigate through choosing or designing an o di for your big day. The rainy season generally lasts from June to November, with July and August having the highest rainfall. The important suggestion is that you should ask the host about how you should dress to suit their wedding ceremony in order to be more prepared carefully. Historically, a formal engagement ceremony known as m Hi, with elements that are very similar to a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony, would take place as a first step in the engagement and wedding planning process. Most brides will have several outfit changes, with red being one of the dresses, if not the main one. ", Over the course of a Vietnamese wedding day, the couple will honor their elders and ancestors in a variety of meaningful ways. What Is the Dollar Dance Wedding Tradition? Discover your dream cheongsam and get $10 off ->. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Vietnamese people believe that the odd number of presents brings bad luck, so they pay special attention to ensure they have bought an even number. Most of the people who are invited to participate in the ceremony of a wedding are the family, close relatives of the bride and groom. When coming to the country as a tourist, it is important tounderstand how to properly dress in Vietnam, both toshow respectand tostay out of trouble. For men can use a shirt, trousers, possible to add a vest. Tea Service and Candle Lighting Ceremony 9. Therefore, you can confidently choose green as your wedding dress color! And, you will attend a Vietnamese wedding but dont know what to wear? ", "Vietnamese wedding guests are usually expected to give the cost of their meal in envelopes," explains Nguyen. Our East Meets Dress bride, Renee, shares her wedding story and how she found the perfect Chinese bridal hairpin to complement her modern wedding qipao. Discover your dream cheongsam and get $10 off ->. Even though centuries have passed, the beauty of traditional Vietnamese weddings remains and defies time. Getting used to a new culturewill take some time, andVietnam is probably like no other place you've ever seen,but we're sure you'll absolutely love it. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. I guess other than most of the guests. As the wearer walks, the ankle-to-floor length pants in combination with the long tunic adds movement and grace to the overall look. Therefore, almost every nation in the world considers the wedding ceremony as a great celebration in life. Vietnamese people are no exception. This could include trays of fruit, liquor, pastries, and jewelry underneath red embroidered silk linen. "The combination of red and gold or all white is reserved only for the couple on the day of the wedding. Honoring Elders 10. It marks a celebration of the bride and groom coming together as a couple. Brides typically wear a red Ao Dai, while grooms wear a blue one. It's usually velvet and may feature a special brocade pattern. Depending on the size of this family, this may take some time, but it demonstrates respect and togetherness. And with the thought, the wedding is only once in a lifetime, so the groom often orders himself a satisfactory outfit. Remember thatit is better to hear others sidethan winning an argument that cannot change anything. Usually, this ceremony happens before the wedding day. White And Any Colors Close To White White is traditionally considered the color of the bride. For example, the shoulders are usually covered, if not the entire arms, as well as most of the legs. The north of Vietnam, including the capital Hanoi and other cities/areas like Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, as well as Central Vietnam, like Vinh, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, is noticeably more traditional and modest than the far south. The couple, knowing about our European understanding of weddings, took us to a bar afterwards. It was only after 1744 and during Nguyn dynasty that men and women began to wear very elaborate o tc (ancient formal o di with long sleeves) for their wedding ceremonies; this tradition still continues into the modern era with . When and how was it discovered that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas? So be careful, you can be taking a shot of alcohol or enjoying a sip of hot tea. Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, so it's no wonder many people decide to relocate there. ", Much like with the m Hi, Bui explains that "the groom's procession will parade up to the door of the bride's house, where an equivalent couple from the bride's family will greet them. In this article, we'll introduce you toVietnamese wedding traditions and customsand help you choose the perfect outfit. Even though it might seem complicated, dressing up for a traditional Vietnamese wedding is relatively easy as there are various options to choose from. Family and friends who carry red gift boxes also wears ao daifor the ladies and pants and a shirt for the men. What to Say During Your Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony. This doesnt mean you have to. No Officiant 13. Bright colors are a must. Some travelers like to dress in an Ao Dai for taking pictures in Vietnam, just like many visitors to Japan dress up in a kimono. She said she reached out to DeBose, concerned all the internet attention might be getting . I wore my best formal dress. Here are the things you should rememberNOTto do or wear or do while in Vietnam: Here are some situations and times when youMUSTbe covered up, which means, cover up from shoulders down to below your knee(about 3 inches below the knee is recommended): Here are some additional clothing tips for you while visiting or living in Vietnam: Following the above dress code for Vietnam shows respect to a culture that is different from yours. Finally, the union is bonded by the candle lighting custom, where the couple light a dragon and phoenix candle. Fun fact! After parents and grandparents are served tea, then immediately the family lines up to receive a tea offering from the couple and to give the couple red envelopes and jewelry. Meaningful Decor 8. The couple will offer tea and be presented with gifts again, and then lunch is served. Back to Cheongsam Corner | East Meets Dress. They come bearing (symbolical) gifts. Purple florals represent sadness, and white florals represent funerals and death, so they are a big no for wedding guests. The most common colors are red, soft gold, pastel pink, and white, The groom's outfit or the male equivalent of the ao dai is called the, Even though it might seem complicated, dressing up for a traditional Vietnamese wedding is relatively easy as there are various options to choose from. A small number of young people or close friends can choose the modern Vietnamese clothes more freely, such as skirts, or fashionable dresses, but must ensure polite, discreet and bright elements. When it comes to wedding decorations, the home where the wedding is taking place is usually "decorated with a traditional altar with red and gold, double happiness symbols, traditional candles and incense," says Chan. Khn ng is an essential accessory for a Vietnamese bride. Although local men dont usually wear tank tops, they are totally accustomed to seeing male travelers wearing them. The groom will pour tea and offer it to the matchmaker. To better understand the customs often included in traditional Vietnamese weddings, we tapped a few wedding pros to offer their expert insight. What I need to know when going to typical (traditional) wedding ceremony in Philippines? It traditionally features a mandarin collar, long sleeves, and side slits that go down from the waist to ankle. It gives the bride a chance to wear a white wedding dress and the groom to wear a tuxedo. In short, wedding dress according to Vietnamese tradition, women can wear traditional ao dai, innovative ao dai, and dress (in the style of a gala dinner). Ao Dai are made traditionally of silk and come in different colours and designs. While you probably would get criticized as a racist for doing this in the US, here in Vietnam, it is unlikely that anyone will care. We hope we were able to help you decide what to wear when invited to a traditional Vietnamese wedding. Why did the Soviets not shoot down US spy satellites during the Cold War? The party usually takes place after the ceremony is completed and is not mandatory. In regard to structure, the engagement ceremony or m Hi is "almost step-by-step a mirror of the wedding," explains Bui. And you don't even have to stress about making a move there. But as with just about anywhere in the world, its best to be extra careful and avoid walking alone at night. Family members are assigned to light candles and incense to honor their ancestors and serve tea to their parents, grandparents and elders. The colors in an o di is indicative of the wearer's age and status. This goes for both male and female travelers. Wearing an ao dai in a lovely bright color or a gorgeous formal dress can help you make a great impression. 4. Wedding pros explain the elements often included in traditional Vietnamese nuptials. As most weddings used to be arranged in the past, this was usually the first time the couple would meet. This alleviates financial stress on the newlywed couple, who typically pay for the wedding themselves, and allows for a more lively atmosphere with higher attendance." at ceremony time). It appears that your cart is currently empty! Nowadays,Ao Dai may even be worn as a school uniform,wedding dress,birthday dress, graduation dress, or forspecial occasions. A roasted pig is also part of the offering. Silk is smooth and soft feeling with a lustrous finish and chiffon is sheer and gauze-like. Royal attires come in red or pink colours with khan dong headdress for the bride. For men, the main outfit is a suit, including trousers, a light shirt, a tie, and a vest. Purple florals represent sadness, and white florals represent funerals and death, so they are a big no for wedding guests. Khn ng can be in a solid color or have some design to them. We were only four non-Vietnamese and sat next to some close relatives of the groom, (brother, uncle, niece IIRC), who all spoke English fluently. Within Vietnamese weddings, it is especially important for couples to choose a wedding date that is meaningful and auspicious. Cognac and Lots of Food 11. ", For Cung, "it was incredibly important to us to get married in a Buddhist temple with all of the rituals, prayers and to honor our parents. At the same time, they also chose to wear a light jacket of the same color outside. We hope that you found this article about what to wear in Vietnam useful for your upcoming visit to Vietnam. Whereas, fair skin tones often have a blue undertone. A Vietnamese marriage ceremony will be divided into two main parts: the wedding ceremony and the congratulatory party. Can you see many wedding dress designers in Vietnam. Superstition and belief are still large parts of daily Vietnamese life. Famous clothing designers concentrate in Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. In fact, it's nothing short of unusual for the tea served to actually not be that, but rather this alcoholic beverage. Back to Cheongsam Corner | East Meets Dress. In other parts in the South you'll go at the exact invited time. Brides usually wear a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress or modern ao dai, and the most popular colors are white and red. Partially this has to do with less influence from China, and more from Southeast Asian natures, where tropical weather also demands for a less covered dress code. But not in Vietnam! Ivory, off-white, cream, eggshell, vanilla, bonecall 'em what you will, but if it's close to white, don't wear it. This creates a front and back panel that grazes the floor, making it very similar to the Chinese qipao or cheongsam. If you order a special airline meal (e.g. The groom's outfit or the male equivalent of the ao dai is called the ao gam. This is not America. See here for our guide to getting a business visa in Vietnam. Hence, attending a wedding in white may come off as offensive or rude. If you are to be a groomsman, the groom will provide you with the gift to bring. Bride Spotlight: How to Complement Your Wedding Qipao with the Perfect Hair Accessory. I know the groom very well, but I have seen his parents only once. Dark colors such as black, gray, or purple are considered the color of bad luck, bringing a breakup to the couple. They may challenge him to push-ups, jumping jacks and other activities to show that he is strong.". It's not unusual for couples of different cultures, one of which is Vietnamese, to organize another wedding ceremony after the Tea and Candle one. When attending a traditional Vietnamese wedding, make sure you are wearing something formal. Nguyen goes on to explain that there's a misconception that since Vietnamese couples often choose to wear traditional attire, there isn't space for personalization within their wedding-day outfits. A bottle of Cognac is a staple part of the tablescape for a Vietnamese wedding, so the guests can immediately get the party started without even having to hit the bar. If you are looking for the ultimate packing list for Vietnam, either backpacking, travelling with kids or motorbiking, check out ourVietnam packing list for travelersor packing list for anyone moving to Vietnam. The guests are also free to wear formal clothings or ao dai. There are plenty of other beliefs and traditions associated with this sacred day. The colors in an o di is indicative of the wearer's age and status. However, since it used to be a French colony, French is the most popular second language. The traditions set in place value each parent's opinion and pay respect to the deceased ancestors. Before he officially gets the green light to see his bride, a groom must show the gifts to her family members. He will understand that you're not familiar with Vietnamese tradition. 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All white is traditionally considered the color of the wearer 's age and.... Of the guests are also free to wear pros to offer their expert insight with red being one the... Is better to hear others sidethan winning an argument that can not anything. Can you see many wedding dress color it demonstrates respect and togetherness show he! Other beliefs and traditions associated with this sacred day traditions set in place value each parent 's opinion and respect... Not change anything wear as well death, so the groom often orders himself a satisfactory outfit can...
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